The United States have responded to their humiliating defeat to Europe at Medinah by recalling golfing great Tom Watson as their next Ryder Cup captain.

Watson will be 65 when the two teams lock horns again at Gleneagles in 2014 – the oldest captain in history.

The eight-time major winner guided the team to their last victory on European soil at The Belfry in 1993 and the PGA of America will hope he’s the man to end a run of five American defeats in the last six matches.

‘I was waiting 20 years to get the call again,’ said Watson. ‘It’s a great honour to do it again and this time it is going to be 14 and a half points.’

Tiger Woods, who has only been part of a winning American team once in seven attempts, welcomed Watson’s appointment.

The former world No.1 said in a statement: ‘I’d like to congratulate Tom Watson on his selection. I think he’s a really good choice. Tom knows what it takes to win and that’s our ultimate goal.

‘I hope I have the privilege of joining him on the 2014 United States team.’

Bernard Gallacher, Europe’s captain when Watson led America to victory almost 20 years ago, believes it’s a ‘very clever” move to reinstate his old sparring partner.

‘It is a surprise,’ Gallacher said. ‘The USPGA obviously decided they needed a bit of experience over in Scotland and Tom is probably the most respected figure in the game today.

‘He’s done the job before, he’s been there as a player, he knows how to win in Europe and in Scotland as well.’

Four of Watson’s five Open titles between 1975 and 1983 came north of the border.

‘He’s well liked there, so this is a very clever appointment in my opinion,’ Gallacher added.

‘It looks like it will be a young, inexperienced team next time and they probably feel they need a very experienced leader.

‘In recent years they have picked someone who is still playing on the main tour, but Tom Watson is still in touch with many of the top players. He still plays in our Open championship and the players will certainly know him.’

Happy hunting ground: Watson approaching the 18th green at St Andrews in 2010 – the American won four of his eight major crowns on Scottish soil (Picture: Getty)

David Toms and Larry Nelson were also tipped for the job, while Europe for the event which runs from 26-28 September 2014.

Europe have yet to name the man that will succeed Jose Maria Olazabal, and their 2010-winning captain Colin Montgomerie said of Watson’s appointment: ”It might change Europe’s view.

‘We have a voting situation coming up and have to decide who to take on as our captain.

‘We tend to go with someone younger who is playing on the Tour, so you have to think of the likes of Darren Clarke or Thomas Bjorn or Paul McGinley.’